In less than a second, a bicycle accident can cause severe injuries that could have lifelong consequences. In addition to the initial pain, victims often face exorbitant medical bills. Some cannot return to work, which jeopardizes the financial security of their families.
According to the Utah Department of Health, more than 370 bicyclists are injured every year on average in our state. If you are involved in a bicycle crash, remember these four tips to protect your interests:
- Call the police;
- Seek medical attention;
- Gather contact information from eyewitnesses;
- And consult an accident attorney.
If you were injured by a negligent driver, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a personal-injury lawyer in Utah who can guide you through the claims process.
Mr. Truman can help you avoid mistakes such as accepting a low settlement, signing a general release, or unknowingly admitting fault to insurance adjusters. Call 435-986-2222 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit personal-injury.usattorneys.com/utah/ to learn more about injury claims in Utah.
Here are four tips to remember if you suffer injures in a bicycle crash:
- Call the Police
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, you must call the police after any crash that causes a death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,500. An officer will compile a police report that contains important information such as the names of the people involved, the cause of the accident, the time and date, and other data. Your personal-injury lawyer may use this report to prove liability and negligence.
- Seek Medical Attention
Your top priority after any crash is to seek medical attention. A fast diagnosis can improve the outcome of your treatment and prevent your injuries from worsening.
Also, your accident attorney may use the doctor’s record to prove damages. If you put off your visit, then the at-fault party or the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not serious enough to justify compensation, or it may be difficult to tie your injuries to the wreck.
- Gather Contact Information from Eyewitnesses
Collect the contact details of any bystanders who witnessed the accident. Witnesses often see important aspects of crashes that the people involved miss. Your attorney may use witness testimonies to support your claim.
- Consult a Personal-Injury Lawyer
A personal-injury lawyer can evaluate your accident, interview witnesses, gather evidence, structure your claim, and help you pursue the maximum compensation. Your attorney can help you avoid mistakes such as accepting an unfair payout. If the at-fault party or insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, then your attorney can litigate your case in court.
If you were injured in a pedestrian crash, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a Utah accident attorney who can protect your interests.
Mr. Truman has the highest legal rating offered by Martindale-Hubbell, and he graduated top 10 percent of his class from Brigham Young University. Call 435-986-2222 to schedule a free initial consultation.
